Rivaldo mulls over Bolton deal

Rivaldo's agents insisted yesterday that he has not turned his back on Bolton, despite flying home to Brazil. The 32-year-old striker has agreed financial terms with the club and is to consult family members over the move in the next few days.

The delay in concluding the deal had prompted speculation that Sam Allardyce's audacious move had failed. But Rivaldo's English agent Peter Harrison insisted he remained "positive" it would go ahead as planned and that he would be a Bolton player "within the next few days".

Harrison said: "Bolton have made him an offer and if he decides to play for Bolton those are the terms he will accept. It is not about money. He is just making sure of his decision and everything is looking positive at the moment."

Rivaldo's Brazilian agent also confirmed that the player had not changed his mind over a switch to the Reebok Stadium. Carlos Arini said: "If he hasn't said no yet, it's because he is seriously considering the offer. These kind of decisions are only for him to make. I have no influence on him over this, and we just do what he wants to do."

Allardyce had said on Saturday that he believed he would secure a deal with Rivaldo - who is a free agent after leaving Milan in December - by Monday. The player met officials in Manchester and was known to be impressed with the deal offered to him.

And while Bolton fans might be desperate to see Rivaldo join their other ambitious signings such as Youri Djorkaeff and Jay-Jay Okocha, there is no rush. The Premier League have confirmed that, despite Rivaldo's current unattached status, transfer window rules would make him ineligible to play in the Premiership until the start of next season.

And Harrison went on to reject suggestions that interest from rival clubs was the reason for the delay. He added: "I've heard stories about other clubs but as far as I'm concerned that's not true. He just wants to discuss it at home. Obviously Bolton want it to be sorted out as soon as possible and hopefully that will happen in the next few days."

Earlier, Bolton had reacted cautiously to reports that the player had accepted financial terms. A spokesman said: "Rivaldo has not signed anything. We are not aware that he has agreed terms as yet."